and the heaven above it is a distance of five hundred years. Between each heaven is a distance of five hundred years; between the seventh heaven and the Footstool is a distance of five hundred years; and between the Footstool and the water is a distance of five hundred years. The Throne is above the water, and Allah is above the Throne. Nothing of your deeds is hidden from Him.”1
It is also reported from Zayd ibn Aslam—may Allah be pleased with him—that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “In comparison to the Footstool, the seven heavens are no more than seven dirhams cast into a shield.”2
Abu Dharr—may Allah be pleased with him—said: I heard the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—say: “In comparison to the Throne, the Footstool is no more than an iron ring cast into the midst of a vast desert.”3
Let the Muslim reflect upon the immensity of the heaven in relation to the earth, the immensity of the Footstool in relation to the heaven, and the immensity of the Throne in relation to the Footstool, for